Karen Armstrong Message Board

Akshay posts on 7/16/2012 2:09:02 AMMs Armstrong, I want to send you a yet to be published monograph (26 A4 pages). In this little book I develop the notions about the 3 + 1 omni.. attributes of God (the 4th is omnipurity) and show how and why some methods of such speculations and contemplation produce profound quietude, serenity, peace and compassion in the human mind. Because of your vast knowledge of these matters this work will benefit immensely and also ‘come to light’ if you read it. Sincerely – Akshay.jeanne Allen posts on 5/28/2012 8:50:59 AMIn response to Mr. Lemmon, I think there is a difference between wars of conquest and World War II when Hitler's evil was also killing many, many people and influencing huge numbers of people to hate. Still, even identifying our own motives, not only as individuals, but as the "group" which has a mentality of its own is a struggle. If we live into the Golden Rule ethos, while it probably will not reach perfection, will at least provide the best life for most. Eric Lemmons posts on 5/28/2012 4:31:32 AMIn regard to the golden rule. To me, the challenge to the golden rule is what does a moral person do when they are mistreated by others that are not following the golden rule?
Does one turn the other cheek? If the "real world", this could be seen as surrendering to evil. So one might feel that they are righteous in their actions, while the result of the passive submission to evil is that evil wins.
For example, I think this is why we have war when you get right down to it. You can prevent war, in a way, if you always submit. War occurs when a people say, we will not surender to evil. We must stand up and defend our ideas and principles, even if that means violoating the golden rule to engage in a war.
So are there moral areas where the golden rule does not strictly apply? Are there exceptions?
One thing that bothers me about some thinkers is that they love to stand in there abstract world of truth and beauty, where there are no real consequences to one's behaviour. In the "real world", the rest of us must deal with non-abstract realities. In our personal lives, and in the policies of our countries.
Thank you for listening.
Eric

Patricia Chrosniak posts on 4/17/2012 9:41:09 PMMs Armstrong, I noticed that my last message had some errors! Would you consider writing a version of the Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life for those who lack adequate reading comprehension skills?Patricia Chrosniak posts on 4/17/2012 9:36:19 PMThank you, Ms Armstrong for your TED commitment. I have been reading, learning via your book "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life." Took me a bit of meditation about moving from Step 3. Just a thought....Might you consider writing this book in a fashion that those who have deficient skills in reading? I have been sharing my interpretation with such individuals and suggesting that they watch the TED video.
Margot Dilmaghani posts on 2/9/2012 10:51:40 AMThe Case for God is remarkable for its deep and dense material. One disappointing omission is the lack of any mention of the Armenians. Not even a sentence, let alone their significant contribution to Christian history ! They most notably were the first to accept Christianity as their state religion -- a few years before the Romans. For centuries, the Armenian church and the Armenian section of now "Old Jerusalem" provided continuity for Christian pilgrims and translators for the conquerors thru the Crusades and to this day. Not one word in this large and fine book. Oops! Too important to neglect ! How did this happen in an otherwise seemingly complete overview of historic religions ? Mawali posts on 1/12/2012 8:00:09 PMMs. Armstrong, it's been an honor and a delight to have had the opportunity to read your books. The reason for this note however, is to request your indulgence on the issue of polygamy in Islam. I am currently reading a fabulous translation of the Quran and what I discovered is that polygamy in Islam is only allowed as a matter of support to an orphan. In other words any man wishing to take a bride is strictly haraam. Please refer to the Surat titled Nisa or Woman and the first para dealing with the issues of orphans. Moosa posts on 1/7/2012 9:25:41 PMDear Ms Armstrong, I desire to write a book on the philosophy of Islam regarding God's existence, other religions, evolution, a theory of sin, spirituality versus the law, knowledge. I would appreciate your feedback and guidance. You must be very busy, but I would appreciate if you were to find the time to read one short chapter. Yours sincerely, MoosaRichard Dudley posts on 12/15/2011 4:15:08 PMWords can never thank you enough for allowing God to mold you and use you. Your works could never have been written by another.
I think this makes you the Bodhisattva of our time -- again thank you. I have, of course joined your Charter for Compassion, and would like to help more. However even with literally dozens of organizations all over the world, from all religions trying to work together, whatever evolves will need to satisfy the needs that the clan and tribe have always filled.Allen Webb posts on 12/1/2011 3:09:54 PM
I just finished a book for teachers on teaching about the Middle East, that draws extensively on your (Karen Armstrong's) work.
The book is called, Teaching the Literature from Today's Middle East and is published by Routledge (their site has a table of contents and more info; Amazon has a cheaper price).
I think there is a real shortage of information for English speaking teachers on teaching about the region, so I hope that this book helps to fill the gap. Teachers you encounter, from middle school to university, in English and social studies might find this book useful.
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